Republicans Biggest Problem: Too Many Candidates

Nothing shows the divisions within the Republican Party quite like the numerous candidates that believe whole heartedly that they deserve to be the next President of the United States. From unknown doctor Ben Carson, to one time CEO Carly Fiorina, to Tea Party extremist Senator Ted Cruz, to political powerhouse Governor Jeb Bush, the list continues to grow, scattering votes and any sort of cohesive support for one person everyone can get behind.

Why does this matter? Because while the GOP should be concentrating on defeating the Democrat candidate (Hillary Clinton), the candidates instead have to focus on defeating members of what should be their own team. Moderates, Conservatives, Libertarians, Tea Party affiliates, each member brings a different strategy to the table, but the main theme is bringing back the American dream. Most of these candidates are spitting the same rhetoric, the same promises, so why can we not agree on one person?

Ironically, this could have been Mitt Romney’s chance to win. While many voters regret he did not become president, he could have stood out against the sea of candidates. Furthermore, if he could take his moderate views to state he supports gay marriage, he would definitely win much of the youth vote. He was discouraged, however, by Bush’s political fundraising, and dropped out before the race even started to pick up. Now, the GOP is faced with an extreme challenge, which is to come together to support one out of over a dozen.

While this could have been the Republicans chance to take advantage of Obama’s low approval rate and get back in the White House by coming together, we instead are further drifting apart by separating into different support groups. The race is fully saturated, and the number will more than likely grow (Chris Christie.) For this reason, by pushing their own agendas, the many candidates are hurting the party instead of promoting it.